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Stephanie Castillo was out running errands in Chino Hills, California, when she stumbled upon a heartbreaking sight. Outside Priceless Pet Rescue, someone had abandoned seven dogs, all crammed into a single tiny cage.
The dogs were panting, sitting in their own filth, and clearly in distress. Castillo’s heart sank as she realized she couldn’t just walk away.
“My stomach immediately sank,” Castillo told The Dodo. “I knew I had to do something, anything.”
A Desperate Situation
Castillo had no idea where the dogs had come from or how long they had been there. She quickly called the rescue to let them know about the situation, but unfortunately, the shelter was closed for the day.
“It seemed like [they’d been] there for a while because they were sitting in their own filth and panting,” Castillo said. “I also noticed there was a blind senior dog that was in really bad shape.”
The dogs were in such poor condition that Castillo knew they couldn’t wait until the shelter reopened. She decided to call her local humane society for help.
Related: Woman spends a month trying to help stray dog whose head was stuck in a jug
Taking Matters Into Her Own Hands
The humane society told Castillo it might take hours for them to arrive. With the temperature rising and the dogs already suffering, she knew she couldn’t leave them there any longer.
“It would only get hotter as the day went on,” Castillo said. “So I opted to take them in myself.”
Carefully, Castillo loaded the cage into her car and brought the dogs home. Once there, she opened the cage and let them out. The dogs were starving, thirsty, and terrified, but Castillo immediately began caring for them.
“They … looked like they had been through a lot,” Castillo said.
Also read: Pitbull Mom Can’t Hold Back Tears After Being Abandoned Without Her Puppies
Help Arrives
After a few hours, the humane society arrived at Castillo’s home to take the dogs. They provided the pups with much-needed vet care, including vaccinations, and ensured they were safe.
The humane society then transferred the dogs to Priceless Pet Rescue’s Costa Mesa location, where they could begin their journey to recovery.
A Second Chance
The rescue named the dogs Hal, Reese, Dewey, Francis, Malcolm, Lois, and Rudy. Despite everything they had been through, the dogs’ spirits remained unbroken.
“[These dogs have] faced uncertainty, but [their] spirit remains unbroken,” Priceless Pet Rescue wrote on their website.
The rescue shared that two of the dogs have already been adopted into loving homes. The remaining five are still waiting for their forever families, but the rescue is hopeful they won’t have to wait long.
@scastiii999 These innocent dogs were abandoned and stuffed in a tiny cage. Seven dogs in a cage the size of one small dog. If you live in Souther California and have a loving heart and home, please consider adopting one of these babies. They are currently located at Priceless Pets in Costa Mesa, California. #dogrescue #adoptme #adoptadog #puppyrescue ♬ Love Is Gone (Acoustic) – SLANDER, Dylan Matthew
Also read: After 200 Days of Fear, He Finally Found Joy and the Confidence to Trust in Humans Again
A Happy Ending
Castillo is relieved to know the dogs are now safe and on their way to better lives. She hopes their story will inspire others to step up when they see animals in need.
“They truly deserve the world,” Castillo said. “With some love and attention, they will live very happy lives.”
Thanks to Castillo’s quick thinking and compassion, these seven dogs now have a chance at the happy endings they deserve.
